[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you’re a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (RN) looking for the next step in your career or you’ve never worked in healthcare at all, studying [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/healthcare-administration/how-to-become/”]healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link] can pay off. With a healthcare administration degree, you’ll qualify for roles in fields like [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/”]health informatics[/hen-ui-link], medical office management, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/clinical-nurse-leader/”]clinical nurse leader[/hen-ui-link], and nursing home administrator.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If healthcare administration sounds like a good fit, keep reading to learn more about this profession, how to get the right training, and what you can expect after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is Healthcare Administration?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administrators are not doctors or nurses. Instead, they focus on the non-clinical or business side of healthcare. Hospitals, clinics, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/long-term-care-nurse/”]long-term care[/hen-ui-link] facilities, and private practice groups rely on healthcare administrators to oversee operations, budgeting, staffing, policy development, and compliance with the complex rules and regulations that govern the healthcare system. Many healthcare administrators also specialize in facilities management, informatics, or marketing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While healthcare administrators do not treat patients, many of the most effective administrators lean on their own patient care experience when making key decisions. Administrators need strong decision-making, organizational, and leadership skills — skills many nurses gain on the job but that are also acquired and polished through effective education programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand for healthcare administrators is high. Because of staffing challenges, an emphasis on cost management, and a growing reliance on electronic health records, healthcare organizations need lots of qualified administrators. That helps explain why the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected 23% annual job growth for medical and health services managers from 2024-2034 — more than seven times faster than the 3% projected for all management occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Types of Healthcare Administration Degrees[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several degrees that can prepare you for a career in healthcare administration and the many diverse paths available within the field. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, healthcare administration programs help you build an industry-specific skill set.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in healthcare administration is a two-year degree that introduces concepts within the healthcare field, emphasizing human resources, medical terminology, healthcare delivery systems, and informatics. Earning this degree prepares you for careers in administrative positions, such as managing a doctor’s office or physician group practice, as well as entry-level roles in other settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration meets the educational requirement for many healthcare administrator roles. As a healthcare administration major, you’ll learn how to apply healthcare-specific concepts to teams and processes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework typically includes healthcare-focused classes in economics, finance, marketing, ethics, and organizational management, as well as general business courses in human resources, communication, organizational behavior, and human relations. Degree programs may also require coursework in medical terminology, epidemiology, and anatomy and physiology, as well as an internship or practicum.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some healthcare administration degree programs offer additional specializations that prepare you for specific roles within organizations. Specializations might include health information management, health law and policy, patient safety and care quality, or marketing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re aiming for a leadership role within a healthcare organization, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/healthcare-administration/is-an-mha-degree-worth-it/”]master’s in healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link] (MHA) degree can help you reach your goals. Earning an MHA positions you for roles in the executive suite, including chief executive officer or chief nursing officer.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate coursework focuses on giving you the tools and skills you need to manage the business aspects of healthcare, as well as manage teams. More specifically, master’s programs typically include courses in management, finance, and strategy, as well as healthcare law, ethics, and policy.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on your experience and the requirements of your program, you may complete a fellowship or practicum. Other programs require an original capstone project. You may also choose to specialize with a concentration. Some of the most common specializations include management operations and leadership, health policy, health financial management, health information technology, quality of care, and compliance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in healthcare administration (DHA) builds theoretical and practical expertise. The highest degree in healthcare administration, DHA graduates often pursue leadership or executive roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the doctoral level, you can choose between a DHA or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in healthcare administration. The DHA is an applied research degree in which candidates apply existing evidence and knowledge to problems in the field. Ph.D. candidates conduct original research to add new knowledge to the field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally speaking, a Ph.D. program is best if you want to work in academia or research, while the DHA is well suited for those who wish to work as leaders in healthcare organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Healthcare Administration Degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Should you earn a degree in healthcare administration? Studying healthcare administration can prepare you for a variety of career paths. RNs with a healthcare administration degree can become nursing directors, clinical nurse managers, or chief nursing officers. And those with no prior healthcare experience can break into this fast-growing industry with a healthcare administration degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, you can find a healthcare administration degree that matches your qualifications and career goals. During your degree, you can also specialize in areas such as healthcare finance, human resources, or health policy to move into specialized career paths. Many careers with a healthcare administration degree report strong growth and above-average salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a degree in healthcare administration doesn’t limit you to a career in a healthcare organization. Your skills and experience can lead to careers in other fields, including [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nurse-entrepreneur-ideas//”]entrepreneurship[/hen-ui-link], media, government, nonprofit management, public health, and more.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Careers With an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a two-year or four-year healthcare administration degree, you’ll qualify for entry-level roles in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some of the many career paths you can take with an associate or bachelor’s in healthcare administration:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Medical Coders and Billers” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical coders ensure that all procedures and patient conditions are properly coded for billing, analytics, and patient care purposes, while billers submit insurance claims and bill patients for services. They may work with hospitals, doctor’s offices, or insurance companies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Associate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: Varies by organization but may include Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $50,250[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Medical Administrative Assistant”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical administrative assistants put their specialized knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare administration to work in healthcare settings. They might make appointments, manage medical records and documentation, and oversee billing, in addition to other tasks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Associate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: None[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $44,200[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Health Office Managers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health office managers coordinate the daily operations for healthcare practices or clinics. They may provide administrative or clerical support, coordinate scheduling of staff and patients, handle insurance verifications, and oversee staff hiring and training.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: Optional Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) or Certified Medical Manager (CMM)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $117,960[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Medical Transcriptionists”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical transcriptionists convert physician voice recordings taken during office visits or procedures into written reports.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Associate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: Optional Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) or Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $37,550[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Careers With a Graduate Degree in Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate-level training in healthcare administration prepares you for leadership roles. For example, you can become a clinical nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer with a graduate degree in nursing or healthcare administration.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some executive-level roles in healthcare administration:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Regulatory Affairs Director” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regulatory affairs directors ensure that healthcare organizations are compliant with all applicable rules and requirements. They communicate with regulatory agencies and coordinate an overall strategy that prevents non-compliance. Directors also oversee the completion of all applications for licenses and approvals and liaise with the leadership team to ensure compliance throughout the organization.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.raps.org/education-events/e-learning/online-university-certificates” target=”_blank”]Regulatory Affairs Certification[/hen-ui-link] (optional)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $176,150[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Hospital CEO”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospital CEOs are the ultimate authority in the organization, overseeing finances, policy development, leadership training and staffing, and relations with stakeholders outside of the hospital. CEOs supervise a team of executives who share the same goal of delivering high-quality, efficient healthcare to patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s; advanced degree preferred[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: None[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Hospital_Chief_Executive_Officer/Salary” target=”_blank”]$161,607[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Insurance Director”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Insurance directors oversee health insurance programs and operations within the healthcare organization. This might include contracting, managing claims and payments, and developing strategies to limit the organization’s risk.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: None[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Insurance_Director/Salary” target=”_blank”]$128,140[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Clinical Informatics Manager”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical informatics managers collect and analyze healthcare data and turn it into actionable insights for leaders. They are focused on improving quality and efficiency, helping develop, design, and implementing data-driven programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s; Master’s preferred[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: [hen-ui-link href=”https://amia.org/careers-certifications/amia-health-informatics-certification-ahic” target=”_blank”]AMIA Health Informatics Certification[/hen-ui-link] (preferred)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Informatics_Manager/Salary” target=”_blank”]$105,973[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Nursing Home Administrator”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing home administrators oversee operations of long-term care facilities. This includes facility maintenance, finance, staffing, admissions, and patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: Requirements vary by state[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $90,935[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Healthcare Consultant”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare consultants work independently or as part of an agency, sharing their expertise and guidance with healthcare organizations. They may work with hospitals, healthcare systems, insurance companies, biotech companies, and more to help with strategic planning, quality improvement, problem-solving, or other issues.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s; advanced degrees preferred[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: [hen-ui-link href=”https://nschbc.org” target=”_blank”]Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC)[/hen-ui-link] (optional)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $74,081[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Clinical Director”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical directors are experienced nurses who oversee a specific clinical area, such as women’s health or surgery. They oversee staff, set goals and policies for the department, develop budgets, and evaluate quality.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum degree required: RN, Master’s[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification required: None[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary: $100,124[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Administration Degrees[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a degree in healthcare administration worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, a degree in healthcare administration can be worth it. With a bachelor’s or master’s in healthcare administration, you’ll qualify for medical and health services management roles. These careers report a median annual salary of $117,960, according to May 2024 BLS data.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degree is best for healthcare administration?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most healthcare administrator positions require a bachelor’s degree, while some prefer candidates with a master’s degree. An associate degree can qualify you for more entry-level positions. [/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paying job in healthcare administration?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying 10% of healthcare administrator jobs payed an average annual salary of $219,080, based on BLS data. Healthcare administrators working in hospitals or government jobs report the highest pay by industry, while healthcare administrators in New York, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey reported the [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/”]highest salaries[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is healthcare administration a good career?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, if it is suited to your skills, goals, and interests. Healthcare administrators report six-figure median salaries with strong projected job growth. According to 2024-2034 BLS projections, the field will add nearly 14,290 jobs annually, which translates into 23% job growth — far faster than the national average of 3%.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, CCRN, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale/v1629922631/experts/Shrilekha_Deshaies.jpg” img-alt=”Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, CCRN, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrilekha-deshaies-57008133/” target=”_blank”]Shri Deshaies[/hen-ui-link] is a nurse educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in hospital, nursing school, and community settings. Deshaies’ clinical area of expertise is [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/critical-care-nurse/how-to-become/”]critical care nursing[/hen-ui-link] and she is a certified critical care nurse. She has worked in various surgical ICUs throughout her career, including cardiovascular, trauma, and neurosurgery.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Shri Deshaies is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education freelance review network. [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare-review-partners//”]Learn more about our review partners[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]